Five Things You Can Do with Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are not just for kitchens anymore. In fact, kitchen cabinets can solve several design dilemmas and give you fun furnishing solutions. Here are some ways to use kitchen cabinets creatively throughout the home:

Window seat: Turn and otherwise boring set of windows into a window seat area by adding tall cabinets to each side of the windows and upper cabinets beneath (about 24 inches high) the windows. You can fill the entire remainder of the wall with the tall cabinets or a combination of tall and short cabinets depending on your needs and allotted space. Fit one piece of plywood on top of the cabinets under the window to make a flat seating area, and place fitted cushions on top.

Party/ Play room seating: If you have a play room or party room consider installing upper cabinets (about 24 inches high) to use as built-in seating. You can line one wall or create a U shape around the room to give guests plenty of room to sit while others have plenty of space to dance and play.

Office space: Home offices are often the most disorganized rooms in the house. But you can put all of that paperwork behind closed doors by installing a home office utilizing 'kitchen' cabinets. Not only will this give your home office a built in look, but also kitchen cabinets are far less expensive than office cabinetry and in most cases are just as attractive. To give it more of an office look, and less of a kitchen look, you can use glass doors, or leave off some of the doors altogether and use baskets instead.

Craft Rooms: Craft rooms need to be organized and very functional. On the other hand, kitchens are usually the most organized and functional room of the home. So, why not install a second kitchen (minus the stove, fridge, and dishwasher) in your craft room. My favorite kitchen piece for a craft room is the Kitchen Island, which creates an awesome workspace. Add Stools for seating.

Closets: If your closets need organizing and a custom closet service is out of the question, consider using stock kitchen cabinetry to organize your closet. Purchase the ones with drawers, and place them in the closet underneath your shorter clothes like shirts and blouses. To make more room for your new closet organizer, consider raising your clothes rods and shelves and placing a couple of step stools in the closet if you need them.